When Should You Take the SAT or ACT?
When should you take the SAT or the ACT? Identify which statement below applies to you to help determine the best timing for the test.
Juniors
Using the test dates for your personality type, plan your testing schedule for the next year.
Sophomores and Freshman
You will have the opportunity to take the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT later (11th grade)- so you will get lots of exposure to taking a standardized test. But, taking the real test is always a benefit! Which of these approaches works for you?
To Do:
Use GuidedPath to view test dates and create a testing schedule based on your personality type.
6 Tips To Reduce Your Stress and Help You Do Your Best On Your SAT/ACT
Standardized testing can be daunting! Follow these tips to reduce your stress and help you do best on your tests.
1. 3 Times is Enough
Plan to take the SAT/ACT no more than 3 times each. You should be done testing by fall of your senior year.
2. Try both the SAT and ACT
Take a diagnostic test or take the official ACT/SAT tests to see which one you prefer and/or do best on.
3. Start to Study Immediately
Don’t waste one of your tries before you’ve even cracked open your prep book. Know what to expect on the test and be familiar with the format.
Practice test taking strategies. Practice your weaknesses. Don’t waste time practicing your strengths.
4. Pick One Test and Stick to It
Take a diagnostic test to...
7 Tips To Ace The SAT
How can you ace the SAT? Here are 7 tips for you:
- Test Day Checklist. Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Be sure you arrive at the SAT prepared with the right tools. See TEST DAY CHECKLIST. Be sure to bring a protein snack, a watch, and an approved calculator.
- Consider Using Score Choice. Consider waiting to send your scores until you see them. You can send them to selected colleges later.
- Guess. SAT has eliminated the ¼ pt deduction for guessing and given you only four answers to choose from- just like the ACT. Eliminate as many answers as possible, then make a calculated guess. It won’t hurt your score.
- Brush up on Algebra 1 & 2. The SAT now emphasizes Algebra, with some Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. Not much Geometry. The math section includes many word based problems.
- Pace Yourself. Remember you have two sections to...
SAT Subject Based Test Questions & Answers
SAT Subject tests are based on the curriculum you have in class. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject. According to the College Board,
"The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do. Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take."
Make plans now to include SAT Subject tests as part of your college planning process.
